The Unified Civic Monuments Project, the effort to construct monuments to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in Benton Harbor and St. Joseph, has received a new boost.
The Laborers’ International Union of North America Local 355 has made a $60,000 donation to the project. The union represents about 500,000 workers in the construction and energy industries in the U.S. and Canada.
Sharon Brown with the monuments project tells us the donation came about through a chance meeting between her and Local 355 Business Manager Arlandar Washington in Benton Harbor. The local was in town for an event during the Senior PGA Championship.
“He shared why he was there and I shared what I was looking for, and we went from there to the monuments,” Brown said. “He had not heard and was delighted to hear, and right away said, ‘I need you to send me some information. I think this might be something that my organization would be very much interested in supporting.'”
Brown says this is one of those stories about wonderful things happening through chance. Construction is now underway on the monuments and additional donations, like this one, will be used for ongoing educational programming and special events.
“He said, ‘Is it too late?” And I’m like, ‘No, it’s not too late because the work continues.'”
Brown says donations are still be accepted, adding the monuments project could potentially bring Martin Luther King, III to town this year if it raises enough.
Speaking of special events, Brown has also announced the project will hold a Unity Walk this Sunday at 3 p.m. starting at Dwight P. Mitchell City Center Park in Benton Harbor. Morton House Museum Director Chuck Jager will be the special guest.
Meanwhile, the monuments are expected to be finished this fall.
You can learn more about the Unified Civic Monuments Project right here.
